Rationale:
· Mathematics pervades all aspects of our lives - as citizens, in our homes and in the workplace. It has applications in all human activities, crossing cultural and linguistic boundaries to provide a universal way of solving problems in such diverse areas as science and engineering, business and finance, technology, arts and crafts and many everyday activities. Competence in mathematics is integral to successful participation in modern society.

Aims:
Through learning mathematics in school, students will work towards the following:
· acquire mathematical skills and knowledge so they can deal confidently and competently with daily life
· develop knowledge and skills in using mathematics for employment, further study and interest
· be able to interpret and communicate quantitative and logical ideas accurately
· recognise the fundamental importance of mathematics to the functioning of society
· understand and appreciate the nature of mathematical thinking and the processes by which mathematics changes
· develop a natural curiosity about the world around them, to feel encourgament in planning possible solutions to problems, and to gain satisfaction form their planning
· use technology appropriately and effectively to support the learning of mathematics, and in carrying out mathematical activities in context

Implementation:
· All teachers will plan in mathematics, documenting their planning, using the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) guidelines.
· Student’s individual abilities will be measured at the commencement of each unit of work, and learning opportunities should be provided that cater for the identified needs of each student.
· A variety of learning strategies, techniques and resources will be used to cater for the identified needs of each student.
· Mathematics study for each student will be not less than 5 hours per week where possible.
· Students progress will be tracked through ongoing monitoring and assessment in accordance with the maths assessment schedule.
· Student progress in all dimensions of mathematics will be reported in half and end of year academic reports, as well as be reported in the school’s annual report.
· A budget that provides for the needs of the mathematics program will be developed by staff and the Teaching and Learning Committee and resourced by school council.
· The Maths Resource committee will be responsible for the overseeing of the resources related to mathematics.
· The Teaching and Leanring Committee will be responsible for the implementation of a maths strategic plan in line with the school’s annual implementation plan.

Evaluation:
· This policy will be reviewed as part of the school’s three year review cycle.